New 'Good Samaritan' Law Protects Underage Drinkers

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has signed legislation that protects underage drinkers who call 911 for help by removing the fear of prosecution.

Washington joins 11 other states who have passed the so-called alcohol-related "Good Samaritan" laws. Colorado was the first state to approve the legislation in 2005. Six other states are currently working on passing a version of the policy.

Binge drinking is popular with underage kids.

Recent alcohol-related deaths are the impetus for the state legislation. Kenny Hummel, an 18-year-old Washington State University student, died in October 2012 after being found comatose in a WSU dorm room. His blood alcohol level was measured at .4 percent, which is five times the legal limit. His parents helped push the measure through the legislature, which offers protection from prosecution to underage drinkers who are in need of medical assistance.

Critics contend that passing this law only encourages underage drinking, by taking away the threat of prosecution to minors illegally drinking alcohol. Advocates, however, counter that it's better to allow minors who have been involved in binge drinking to get the medical attention they need, rather than dying from alcohol poisoning.

Rep. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, who sponsored the legislation, stressed that underage drinking is not being encouraged, but the goal was to prevent unnecessary deaths from alcohol poisoning.  "We want young people to know that when they call 911, the only thing that's going to come is help," he said. "Not trouble."


The legislation was supported by the Liquor Control Board, the Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention and the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, among others.